She told the Lancashire Telegraph: "It has been really interesting how people have said they felt sorry for her.

"We all know right from wrong, but there are reasons behind what people do and things are not as simple as they appear."

Gumede last week revealed the extent of ex-police officer Kirsty's family woes to Digital Spy, divulging that her violent father - recently introduced on screen - beat her until she was 18 and still hurts her mother.

Of Kirsty's relationship with Tyrone, she went on: "There are times with this relationship between Kirsty and Tyrone where it could be great. They do really love each other, interjected with this awful aspect of Kirsty's personality."

Praising the ongoing storyline, Gumede added: "What Coronation Street has done really well is build the storyline which has been bubbling away for several months. To say her actions are justified is wrong, but the clues have been there as to why Kirsty has behaved like she has."